Water Rights
US and Mexico Sign Agreement to Deliver Remaining Water Obligations
The plan could bring much-needed water to farmers in South Texas.
Colorado River Compact Needs 21st Century Update
While the historic agreement set a new precedent for water rights, its inherent flaws, growing demand, and the threat of climate change make much of it obsolete for today’s needs.
Nebraska, Colorado Square Off in Fight Over South Platte River Water
Billions of dollars of water development are at stake as Colorado and Nebraska battle for control of more South Platter River water.
Arizona Water Rights No Longer 'Use it or Lose it'
A bill approved with bipartisan support by the Arizona State Legislature offers new incentives for water conservation.
A Development Showdown Over Water in Rural Arizona
The battle for the future of Colorado River water, and whether it will be used for agriculture or new development, continues in Arizona.
Legislation Would Prevent Rural-to-Urban Water Transfers in Arizona
A plan to sell water intended for agricultural uses to help fuel the development of a city on the edge of the Phoenix metropolitan area has inspired new state legislation.
Water Concerns Follow New Development in Montana
Sprawling subdivision development in Montana is popping up in former agricultural land, pressuring water resources and leading to some legal controversy.
Op-Ed: Implications for Phoenix as Lake Mead Runs Dry
Metro Phoenix has a lot to think about as Lake Mead water shortages become ever more likely. A three-state drought contingency plan may only be a temporary fix for a problem that'll divide cities and stakeholders.
Oil and Gas Drilling Issues Loom Large in Colorado on Election Day
Unlike prior initiatives that sought drilling bans, Prop. 112 would greatly increase setbacks from buildings to such an extent that it could doom much of the industry. A competing initiative would make the change a "taking" and require compensation.
Arizona Struggles to Balance Demand for Water
Two case studies exemplify the extreme economic and legal pressures surrounding water supply in the state of Arizona.
Even in the Pacific Northwest, Developments Conflict With Water
The Seattle region would seem to have plenty of water to go around. That doesn't mean there aren't environmental consequences for more development.
California's Historic Drought Pressures Traditional Water Rights
California’s drought has the State Water Resources Control Board in "hyperdrive"—rushing to fill the gaps of a historic water-rights system, settle disputes over water use, and lay the groundwork for a sustainable future.
Battling Over the Nile's Water, Forgetting About its Ecosystem
Despite flowing through ten different nations, the Nile's water is only technically the property of Egypt and Sudan. The other eight nations are trying to change that. But as the debate heats up, the river's ecosystem may be caught in the cross-fire.
Finding Solutions for the Colorado River Delta Problem
The Colorado River Delta is in tough shape once it ventures into Mexico. But now, a group of NGOs and local governments are showing how the sensitive area can be kept clean.
Water Rights Ruling Puts Thousands of Permits in Question
A recent water rights ruling in Nevada could potentially endanger the validity of nearly 15,000 water rights in the state dating back to 1947. As a result, new applications for water rights are flooding state offices.
Las Vegas Water Plan Hits Wall
Plans by Las Vegas officials to siphon water from northern Nevada down to the growing city may have hit a wall, as a recent ruling from the state Supreme Court found fault with the region's water rights application process.
Diversify Your Water Buys
By combining three water purchasing approaches -- permanent rights, options and leases -- cities can better manage water supplies to avoid high costs and supply reductions, according to a new study.
States' Water Negotiations Can Be Secret
Negotiations between the states of Georgia, Alabama and Florida can remain secret, according to a recent federal ruling.
Regions of Water's Future Uncertainty
This interactive map from Good's Water issue highlight seven regions in the world that are likely to experience conflict over water shortages.
Rainwater Collection Rules Evolving in the West
Two new laws in Colorado make legal the formerly prohibited act of collecting rainwater. Other states aren't so lenient.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
